Remote control of a mobile computing device with an auxiliary device

ABSTRACT

An auxiliary device that remotely controls a mobile computing device is described herein. The auxiliary device can be wirelessly coupled with the mobile computing device. The auxiliary device can detect a user input at the auxiliary device. An operation executed by the mobile computing device can be performed responsive to the user input. Further, an identity of the operation can be a function of a context of the mobile computing device and the user input. Responsive to detection of the user input, the auxiliary device can transmit data indicative of the user input from the auxiliary device to the mobile computing device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/314,354, filed on Jun. 25, 2014, and entitled “REMOTE CONTROL OF AMOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE WITH AN AUXILIARY DEVICE”, the entirety of whichis incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Mobile computing devices are prevalent in today's society. Manyconventional mobile computing devices combine features that weretraditionally provided by separate devices. For instance, previously itwas common for someone to carry a feature phone to place and receivephone calls, a camera to capture pictures or videos, as well as otherdiscrete devices to perform various functions. In contrast, many oftoday's mobile computing devices perform a variety of operations.Examples of such operations commonly effectuated by a mobile computingdevice include capturing images or videos (e.g., with an embedded cameraof the mobile computing device), making or receiving phone calls,replaying various types of media (e.g., videos, music, audio, etc.),providing directions (e.g., navigation), performing searches (e.g., websearching, etc.), receiving, composing, and sending emails and textmessages, reviewing and editing documents, executing variousapplications, and so forth.

SUMMARY

Described herein are various technologies that pertain to operating anauxiliary device, where the auxiliary device is wirelessly coupled witha mobile computing device. A user input can be detected at the auxiliarydevice. An operation executed by the mobile computing device can beperformed responsive to the user input. For instance, the operation canbe an operation of a personal assistant component executed by the mobilecomputing device. Further, an identity of the operation can be afunction of a context of the mobile computing device and the user input.Responsive to detection of the user input, data indicative of the userinput can be transmitted from the auxiliary device to the mobilecomputing device.

The above summary presents a simplified summary in order to provide abasic understanding of some aspects of the systems and/or methodsdiscussed herein. This summary is not an extensive overview of thesystems and/or methods discussed herein. It is not intended to identifykey/critical elements or to delineate the scope of such systems and/ormethods. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplifiedform as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presentedlater.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a functional block diagram of an exemplary systemthat includes an auxiliary device that remotely controls a mobilecomputing device.

FIG. 2 illustrates a functional block diagram of an exemplary systemthat employs the auxiliary device to remotely control the mobilecomputing device.

FIG. 3 illustrates a functional block diagram of an exemplary auxiliarydevice.

FIG. 4 illustrates a functional block diagram of an exemplary systemthat includes the auxiliary device and the mobile computing device,where the mobile computing device is removably attachable to a dock.

FIG. 5 illustrates a functional block diagram of an exemplary systemthat employs the auxiliary device with a plurality of computing devices.

FIG. 6 illustrates various views of an exemplary auxiliary device.

FIGS. 7-10 illustrate various views of the exemplary auxiliary device ofFIG. 6 and an exemplary sleeve.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary automobile jacket.

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary clip jacket.

FIG. 13 illustrates the auxiliary device of FIG. 6 mechanically attachedto the clip jacket of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary system where the auxiliary device ofFIG. 6 remotely controls an exemplary mobile computing device in anautomobile.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary system that includes the mobilecomputing device, the auxiliary device of FIG. 6, and an exemplarybedside alarm clock dock.

FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary system that includes the auxiliarydevice of FIG. 6, the mobile computing device, and an exemplary speaker.

FIG. 17 is a flow diagram that illustrates an exemplary methodology ofoperating an auxiliary device.

FIG. 18 is a flow diagram that illustrates an exemplary methodology ofoperating a mobile computing device.

FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary computing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various technologies pertaining to remotely controlling a mobilecomputing device using an auxiliary device are now described withreference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used torefer to like elements throughout. In the following description, forpurposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of one or more aspects. It maybe evident, however, that such aspect(s) may be practiced without thesespecific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devicesare shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing one ormore aspects. Further, it is to be understood that functionality that isdescribed as being carried out by certain system components may beperformed by multiple components. Similarly, for instance, a componentmay be configured to perform functionality that is described as beingcarried out by multiple components.

Moreover, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” ratherthan an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clearfrom the context, the phrase “X employs A or B” is intended to mean anyof the natural inclusive permutations. That is, the phrase “X employs Aor B” is satisfied by any of the following instances: X employs A; Xemploys B; or X employs both A and B. In addition, the articles “a” and“an” as used in this application and the appended claims shouldgenerally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwiseor clear from the context to be directed to a singular form.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 thatincludes an auxiliary device 102 that remotely controls a mobilecomputing device 104. The auxiliary device 102 and the mobile computingdevice 104 are wirelessly coupled. The auxiliary device 102 includes aprocessor 106 and a memory 108. The processor 106 is configured toexecute instructions loaded into the memory 108 (e.g., one or morecomponents loaded into the memory 108 are executable by the processor106). As described in greater detail herein, the memory 108 includesinstructions configured to remotely control the mobile computing device104 (e.g., an operation executed by the mobile computing device 104 canbe performed responsive to a user input received by the auxiliary device102).

The auxiliary device 102 further includes sensors 110. While theauxiliary device 102 is described as including a plurality of sensors110, it is contemplated that the auxiliary device 102 can include onesensor. The auxiliary device 102 can include one or more differing typesof sensors 110. Examples of types of the sensors 110 include a touchsensor, a microphone, a position sensor, an inertial measurement unit(e.g., a gyroscope, an accelerometer, etc.), a hover sensor, a camera,and so forth.

According to various examples, the auxiliary device 102 can include oneor more microcontrollers. A microcontroller can be an integrated circuitthat includes a processor core and a memory. For example, the auxiliarydevice 102 can include a microcontroller, where the microcontrollerincludes the processor 106 and the memory 108 (e.g., an integratedcircuit can include the processor 106 and the memory 108). According toanother example, the auxiliary device 102 can include a plurality ofmicrocontrollers, where the plurality of microcontrollers includes theprocessor 106 and the memory 108. Following this example, the processor106 can include a plurality of processor cores and the memory 108 caninclude a plurality of memories; thus, a first microcontroller caninclude a first processor core (from the plurality of processor cores)and a first memory (from the plurality of memories), etc. However, it isto be appreciated that claimed subject matter is not limited to theauxiliary device 102 including microcontroller(s). In accordance withother examples, the auxiliary device 102 can include a separatemicroprocessor and memory (e.g., the processor 106 can be or include amicroprocessor or a plurality of microprocessors).

Further, the mobile computing device 104 includes a processor 112 and amemory 114. The processor 112 is configured to execute instructionsloaded into the memory 114 (e.g., one or more components loaded into thememory 114 are executable by the processor 112). According to variousexamples, the mobile computing device 104 can be a mobile telephone(e.g., a smartphone), a laptop computing device, a tablet computingdevice, a wearable computing device, a handheld computing device, aportable gaming device, a personal digital assistant, or the like.

The memory 108 of the auxiliary device 102 includes an interfacecomponent 116 that detects a user input at the auxiliary device 102. Forinstance, the interface component 116 can detect the user input via oneor more of the sensors 110. An operation executed by the mobilecomputing device 104 can be performed responsive to the user input.Moreover, an identity of the operation can be a function of a context ofthe mobile computing device 104 and the user input. Pursuant to variousexamples, the identity of the operation can further be a function of acontext of the auxiliary device 102.

The memory 108 of the auxiliary device 102 also includes a transceivercomponent 118 that transmits data indicative of the user input from theauxiliary device 102 to the mobile computing device 104. The transceivercomponent 118 can send the data indicative of the user input responsiveto detection of the user input by the interface component 116.

Moreover, the memory 114 of the mobile computing device 104 includes atransceiver component 120. The transceiver component 120 of the mobilecomputing device 104 receives the data indicative of the detection ofthe user input from the auxiliary device 102. Moreover, it iscontemplated that other data (e.g., contextual data, etc.) can betransmitted by the transceiver component 118 of the auxiliary device 102and received by the transceiver component 120 of the mobile computingdevice 104. Further, data can be transmitted by the transceivercomponent 120 of the mobile computing device 104 and received by thetransceiver component 118 of the auxiliary device 102 (e.g., data thatcan be output by the auxiliary device 102, etc.).

As noted above, the auxiliary device 102 and the mobile computing device104 are wirelessly coupled. Accordingly, the transceiver component 118of the auxiliary device 102 and the transceiver component 120 of themobile computing device 104 can exchange data using one or more wirelesstechnologies. Examples of wireless technologies that can be employed bythe transceiver component 118 and the transceiver component 120 forsending and receiving data include Bluetooth, near field communication(NFC), Wi-Fi (based on IEEE 802.11 standards), and so forth.

The memory 114 of the mobile computing device 104 further includes acontext identification component 122 that obtains contextual dataindicative of a context of the mobile computing device 104. The contextidentification component 122 can detect the context of the mobilecomputing device 104 and generate the contextual data based upon thedetected context. The contextual data identified by the contextidentification component 122, according to various examples, can specifya position of the mobile computing device 104 (e.g., a geographicposition at which the mobile computing device 104 is located), anorientation of the mobile computing device 104, a velocity at which themobile computing device 104 is moving, a direction of movement of themobile computing device 104, a device with which the mobile computingdevice 104 is mechanically attached (e.g., a dock with which the mobilecomputing device 104 is mechanically attached), a device with which themobile computing device 104 is communicatively coupled (e.g., a devicewirelessly paired with the mobile computing device 104, a device thatreceives data output from the mobile computing device 104, etc.), anapplication being executed by the processor 112 of the mobile computingdevice 104, a state of the mobile computing device 104, a combinationthereof, and so forth.

Moreover, the memory 114 of the mobile computing device 104 includes apersonal assistant component 124. The personal assistant component 124can perform the operation responsive to receipt of the data indicativeof the user input. As noted above, the identity of the operation can bea function of the context of the mobile computing device 104 (e.g.,determined by the context identification component 122) and the userinput. For instance, the personal assistant component 124 can determinethe identity of the operation to be performed based upon the context ofthe mobile computing device 104 and the user input.

According to various examples, the identity of the operation performedby the personal assistant component 124 executed by the mobile computingdevice 104 responsive to receipt of the data indicative of the userinput can further be a function of a context of the auxiliary device102. Examples of the context of the auxiliary device 102 can includewhether the auxiliary device 102 is mechanically attached to a disparatedevice and, if mechanically attached, a type of the disparate device.Additionally or alternatively, the context of the auxiliary device 102can include a position of the auxiliary device 102 (e.g., a geographicposition at which the auxiliary device 102 is located), an orientationof the auxiliary device 102, a relative position and/or orientation ofthe auxiliary device 102 with respect to the mobile computing device104, a velocity at which the auxiliary device 102 is moving, a directionof movement of the auxiliary device 102, a change in orientation of theauxiliary device 102 (e.g., changes in pitch, roll, and yaw), or thelike. Moreover, the context of the auxiliary device 102 can include orbe based on other user input(s) received by the auxiliary device 102(e.g., user input(s) other than the user input that causes theperformance of the operation by the mobile computing device 104).

Identities of potential operations performable by the personal assistantcomponent 124 (e.g., performable responsive to respective user inputs)during a period of time can be tailored as a function of the context ofthe mobile computing device 104 and the context of the auxiliary device102 during the time period. For example, during a first period of time,the mobile computing device 104 can execute a first operation responsiveto a first user input (e.g., a detected touch of a first button of theauxiliary device 102 during the first period of time) and a secondoperation responsive to a second user input (e.g., a detected touch of asecond button of the auxiliary device 102 during the first period oftime). The identities of the first operation and the second operationcan be a function of the context of the mobile computing device 104 andthe context of the auxiliary device 102 during the first period of time.Further, during a second period of time, the mobile computing device 104can execute a third operation responsive to the first user input (e.g.,a detected touch of the first button of the auxiliary device 102 duringthe second period of time) and a fourth operation responsive to thesecond user input (e.g., a detected touch of the second button of theauxiliary device 102 during the second period of time). The identitiesof the third operation and the fourth operation can be a function of thecontext of the mobile computing device 104 and the context of theauxiliary device 102 during the second period of time.

In various scenarios, it is contemplated that a user may be unable tointeract with his or her mobile computing device 104. Illustrations ofsuch scenarios where the user is situationally impaired with respect tothe mobile computing device 104 include the mobile computing device 104being outside of a reach of the user or the user's attention beingfocused away from the mobile computing device 104. For example, the usermay desire to play a song on the mobile computing device 104 whendriving in an automobile. Conventionally, to play the song, the userwould typically shift his or her attention away from driving theautomobile to interact with the mobile computing device 104 (e.g., toselect the song and initiate playback). According to another example,the user may desire to change a song being played by the mobilecomputing device 104, when the mobile computing device 104 is docked toa stereo. However, the user may be at a remote position relative to aposition of the mobile computing device 104. Thus, the user wouldtraditionally relocate to the position of the mobile computing device104 to change the song being played. In contrast to the conventionalapproaches, the auxiliary device 102 enables the mobile computing device104 to be remotely controlled. Moreover, the identity of the operationperformed by the mobile computing device 104 responsive to the userinput received via the auxiliary device 102 can be tailored based uponthe situational impairment (e.g., which can be recognized based upon thecontext of the mobile computing device 104 and/or the context of theauxiliary device 102).

The auxiliary device 102 can be used to remotely control operationsperformed by the mobile computing device 104 (e.g., operations performedby the personal assistant component 124, other operations performed bythe mobile computing device 104, etc.). Examples of operations performedby the mobile computing device 104 that can be controlled responsive tothe user input detected by the interface component 116 can includeplaying media on the mobile computing device 104, performing searches(e.g., responsive to voice search queries), launching applications, andso forth. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary device 102 can beused to provide input to the personal assistant component 124 of themobile computing device 104. For instance, speech input can be used togenerate a search query, a detected touch can be used for confirmation(e.g., yes or no) or continuous input (e.g., volume up/down), and soforth.

Turning to FIG. 2, illustrated is a system 200 that employs theauxiliary device 102 to remotely control the mobile computing device104. As depicted in the example of FIG. 2, the auxiliary device 102includes a microphone 202 and a touch sensor 204 (e.g., the sensors 110of FIG. 1 include the microphone 202 and the touch sensor 204). Whilethe auxiliary device 102 is described as including one touch sensor 204,it is contemplated that the auxiliary device 102 can includesubstantially any number of additional touch sensors that can besubstantially similar to the touch sensor 204.

As noted above, the interface component 116 can detect a user input atthe auxiliary device 102, and an operation executed by the mobilecomputing device 104 can be performed responsive to the user input(e.g., the operation can be performed by the personal assistantcomponent 124 of the mobile computing device 104, the operation can be adisparate operation performed by the mobile computing device 104). Byway of illustration, the interface component 116 can detect a touch ofthe touch sensor 204. Further, the transceiver component 118, responsiveto detection of the touch of the touch sensor 204, can transmit dataindicative of the touch of the touch sensor 204 to the mobile computingdevice 104. Thus, the operation executed by the mobile computing device104 can be performed responsive to the touch of the touch sensor 204.Moreover, an identity of the operation executed by the mobile computingdevice 104 responsive to the touch of the touch sensor 204 can be afunction of the touch of the touch sensor 204 and the context of themobile computing device 104.

Pursuant to another illustration, the interface component 116 can detectspeech input at the auxiliary device 102, where the speech input isreceived by the microphone 202. Responsive to receipt of the speechinput, the transceiver component 118 can transmit the speech input fromthe auxiliary device 102 to the mobile computing device 104. Accordingto an example, the operation executed by the mobile computing device 104can be performed responsive to the speech input received by themicrophone 202. Pursuant to another example, the speech input canprovide contextual data; thus, the operation executed by the mobilecomputing device 104 can be performed responsive to a differing userinput (e.g., a touch of the touch sensor 204), while the identity of theoperation can be a function of the speech input.

According to an example, the auxiliary device 102 can perform speechrecognition on the speech input. By way of another example, the mobilecomputing device 104 can perform speech recognition on the speech input.Pursuant to another example, the speech input can be transmitted to aserver computing system (e.g., from the auxiliary device 102, from themobile computing device 104); the server computing system can performspeech recognition on the speech input and return recognized speech data(e.g., to the auxiliary device 102, to the mobile computing device 104).According to an illustration, the auxiliary device 102 can transmit thespeech input to the server computing system, the server computing systemcan perform speech recognition on the speech input to generaterecognized speech data, and the recognized speech data can betransmitted to the mobile computing device 104; yet, the claimed subjectmatter is not so limited.

Various touch sensor types are intended to fall within the scope of thehereto appended claims. For example, the touch sensor 204 can be apush-button; thus, a housing of the auxiliary device 102 can include thepush-button (e.g., a mechanical switch mechanism). According to anotherexample, the touch sensor 204 can be a differing mechanical switchmechanism other than a push-button (e.g., dial, lever, slider, etc.).Pursuant to another example, the housing of the auxiliary device 102 caninclude a touch sensitive surface (e.g., capacitive sensor(s)constructed from media such as copper, Indium tin oxide (ITO), etc.),and the touch sensitive surface can be or include the touch sensor 204.For instance, the touch sensitive surface can include a plurality oftouch sensors (including the touch sensor 204); yet, the claimed subjectmatter is not so limited. In accordance with yet another example, theauxiliary device 102 can include a touchscreen; the touchscreen candisplay a virtual button (e.g., the virtual button displayed on thetouchscreen can be the touch sensor 204). Moreover, it is contemplatedthat other touch sensor types are intended to fall within the scope ofthe hereto appended claims.

According to an illustration, the auxiliary device 102 can providehaptic feedback responsive to a touch of the touch sensor 204 detectedby the interface component 116. For instance, if the touch sensor 204 isa touch sensitive surface or a portion thereof, the auxiliary device 102can output haptic feedback responsive to detection of a touch of thetouch sensitive surface (or the portion thereof).

Moreover, the auxiliary device 102 can include a connector 206. Theconnector 206 can removably attach the auxiliary device 102 to variousdisparate devices. Thus, the connector 206 can mechanical attach theauxiliary device 102 to a disparate device; thereafter, the auxiliarydevice 102 can be detached from the disparate device.

The auxiliary device 102 can be interchangeably attachable to aplurality of types of disparate devices. Examples of disparate devicetypes with which the auxiliary device 102 can be interchangeablyattachable include mobile computing devices, sleeves, jackets, acombination thereof, and so forth. For instance, the auxiliary device102 can be removably attachable to the mobile computing device 104, asleeve 208, a jacket 210, and so forth. Thus, the connector 206 can beremovably attachable with a corresponding connector of the mobilecomputing device 104, a corresponding connector of the sleeve 208, acorresponding connector of the jacket 210, and so forth. Although notshown, it is contemplated that the auxiliary device 102 can be removablyattachable to differing types of mobile computing devices, differingtypes of sleeves, differing types of jackets, and the like.

According to an illustration, the connector 206 can enable the auxiliarydevice 102 to mechanically attach to the mobile computing device 104.The auxiliary device 102 can thereafter be detached from the mobilecomputing device 104. By way of another illustration, the sleeve 208 canbe mechanically attachable to the mobile computing device 104 (e.g., thesleeve 208 can form a cavity in which a housing of the mobile computingdevice 104 can be received). Following this illustration, the auxiliarydevice 102 can be mechanically attachable to and detachable from thesleeve 208 (e.g., the auxiliary device 102 can be removably attachablewith an accessory of the mobile computing device 104). Pursuant to yetanother example, the connector 206 can enable the auxiliary device 102to mechanically attach to and detect from the jacket 210 (or a pluralityof jackets). For instance, the auxiliary device 102 can concurrently bemechanically attached to a plurality of differing types of jackets; yet,the claimed subject matter is not so limited.

By way of example, substantially any type of connector 206 is intendedto fall within the scope of the hereto appended claims. For example, theconnector 206 can be or include a feature formed in a material of ahousing of the auxiliary device 102. Following this example, theconnector 206 can include grooves, protrusions, cavities, etc. formed inthe material of the housing. According to another example, the connector206 can be or include a magnet. However, substantially any other type ofconnector 206 is intended to fall within the scope of the heretoappended claims.

The auxiliary device 102 can mechanically attach to one or more types ofjackets (e.g., the jacket 210) via the connector 206. The jackets can bedesigned for differing contexts. For example, the jackets can includeone or more of the following: a clip jacket (e.g., attachable to a lapelof a garment, a neckline of a garment, a belt, a waistband of a garment,etc.), an automobile jacket (e.g., a base that is mechanicallyattachable to an automobile steering wheel), a wrist-worn strap (e.g., ahealth monitor or watch), a necklace, a lanyard, or the like.

The auxiliary device 102 further includes a power supply 212. Accordingto an example, the power supply 212 of the auxiliary device 102 can becharged when the auxiliary device 102 is mechanically attached to themobile computing device 104. For instance, a power supply 214 of themobile computing device 104 can charge the power supply 212 of theauxiliary device 102 when mechanically attached (e.g., the power supply214 can be part of a charging source that charges the power supply 212).By way of another example, the power supply 212 of the auxiliary device102 can be charged when the auxiliary device 102 is mechanicallyattached to the sleeve 208, where the sleeve 208 is mechanicallyattached to the mobile computing device 104; again, it is contemplatedthat the power supply 214 of the mobile computing device 104 can chargethe power supply 212 of the auxiliary device 102. Pursuant to a furtherexample, the auxiliary device 102 can charge the power supply 214 of themobile computing device 104 when mechanically attached (e.g., the powersupply 212 can be part of a charging source that charges the powersupply 214, the auxiliary device 102 can be a portable charger for themobile computing device 104, etc). In accordance with the foregoingexamples, it is to be appreciated that the power supply 212 can beconcurrently charged with the power supply 214. Moreover, the mobilecomputing device 104 or the sleeve 208 can support Qi charging of thepower supply 212. According to other examples, the jacket 210 may chargethe power supply 212 of the auxiliary device 102 (e.g., the jacket 210can include or be connected to a power supply that can charge the powersupply 212); yet, the claimed subject matter is not so limited.

The memory 108 of the auxiliary device 102 can further include a contextcollection component 216 that obtains contextual data indicative of acontext of the auxiliary device 102. The context collection component216 can detect the context of the auxiliary device 102. Moreover, thecontext collection component 216 can generate the contextual dataindicative of the context of the auxiliary device 102. The transceivercomponent 118 can transmit the contextual data from the auxiliary device102 to the mobile computing device 104. According to an example, thecontextual data can specify that the auxiliary device 102 ismechanically attached to a disparate device and a type of the disparatedevice. By way of another example, the contextual data can specify aposition of the auxiliary device 102. Pursuant to a further example, thecontextual data can include speech input received by the microphone 202.Yet, it is contemplated that other types of contextual data are intendedto fall within the scope of the hereto appended claims.

As described herein, the mobile computing device 104 can perform anoperation responsive to user input detected by the interface component116 of the auxiliary device 102. An identity of the operation performedresponsive to the user input executed by the mobile computing device 104can be a function of the context of the auxiliary device 102 as well asthe context of the mobile computing device 104 and the user input. Whilemany examples set forth herein describe the context collection component216 detecting the contextual data indicative of the context of theauxiliary device 102, it is contemplated that the mobile computingdevice 104 (e.g., the context identification component 122) canadditionally or alternatively detect the contextual data indicative ofthe context of the auxiliary device 102 (or a portion of such contextualdata).

According to an example, the context collection component 216 caninclude a connection detection component 218. The connection detectioncomponent 218 can detect whether the auxiliary device 102 ismechanically attached to a disparate device. Thus, the connectiondetection component 218 can detect whether the auxiliary device 102 ismechanically attached (via the connector 206) to the mobile computingdevice 104, the sleeve 208, the jacket 210, or substantially any otherdisparate device. The connection detection component 218 can also detectwhether the auxiliary device 102 is detached from the disparate devices(e.g., not mechanically attached to any disparate device). If detectedto be mechanically attached to a disparate device, the connectiondetection component 218 can further determine a type of the disparatedevice. The connection detection component 218, for instance, canidentify the type of the disparate device using NFC, radio-frequencyidentification (RFID), and so forth.

Further, the connection detection component 218 can generate mechanicalattachment data indicative of whether the auxiliary device 102 ismechanically attached to the disparate device and the type of thedisparate device, if the auxiliary device is mechanically attached tothe disparate device. The transceiver component 118 can further transmitthe mechanical attachment data from the auxiliary device 102 to themobile computing device 104. Thus, the identity of the operationperformed responsive to the user input executed by the mobile computingdevice 104 can be a function of whether the auxiliary device 102 ismechanically attached to the disparate device and the type of thedisparate device, if the auxiliary device 102 is mechanically attachedto the disparate device.

In accordance with an illustration, the jacket 210 can be an automobilejacket. The automobile jacket can be mechanically attachable to anautomobile steering wheel. Responsive to the auxiliary device 102 beingmechanically attached to the automobile jacket, the connection detectioncomponent 218 can detect that the auxiliary device 102 is mechanicallyattached to the automobile jacket. Further, the connection detectioncomponent 218 can generate mechanical attachment data indicative of theauxiliary device 102 being mechanically attached to the automobilejacket. The transceiver component 118 can further transmit suchmechanical attachment data to the mobile computing device 104. Thus, theidentity of the operation performed responsive to the user inputexecuted by the mobile computing device 104 can be a function of theauxiliary device 102 being mechanically attached to the automobilejacket.

As noted above, the auxiliary device 102 can be removably attachable tothe mobile computing device 104. According to an example, the auxiliarydevice 102 can be mechanically attachable to the mobile computing device104 in a stowed configuration and an extended configuration. When in theextended configuration, the auxiliary device 102 can be a kickstand(e.g., for the mobile computing device 104). Accordingly, when theauxiliary device 102 is mechanically attached to the mobile computingdevice 104, the connection detection component 218 can detect suchmechanical attachment and generate corresponding mechanical attachmentdata (which can be transmitted to the mobile computing device 104).Pursuant to an example, the mechanical attachment data can furtherspecify whether the auxiliary device 102 is in the stowed configurationor the extended configuration. Hence, the identity of the operationperformed responsive to the user input executed by the mobile computingdevice 104 can be a function of the auxiliary device 102 beingmechanically attached to the mobile computing device 104. The identityof the operation, for instance, can further be a function of whether theauxiliary device 102 is in the stowed configuration or the extendedconfiguration; yet, the claimed subject matter is not so limited. It isalso contemplated that the mobile computing device 104 can additionallyor alternatively detect the mechanical attachment between the mobilecomputing device 104 and the auxiliary device 102 and generate thecorresponding mechanical attachment data.

According to another illustration, the auxiliary device 102 can beremovably attachable to the sleeve 208. Further, the sleeve 208 can bemechanically attachable to the mobile computing device 104. By way ofexample, the auxiliary device 102 can be mechanically attachable to thesleeve 208 in a stowed configuration and an extended configuration;similar to above, the auxiliary device 102 can be a kickstand when inthe extended configuration. Moreover, similar to above, when theauxiliary device 102 is mechanically attached to the sleeve 208, theconnection detection component 218 can detect such mechanical attachmentand generate the corresponding mechanical attachment data. Further, thetransceiver component 118 can transmit the mechanical attachment data tothe mobile computing device 104. Again, the mechanical attachment datacan further specify whether the auxiliary device 102 is in the stowedconfiguration or the extended configuration, for example. Thus, theidentity of the operation performed responsive to the user inputexecuted by the mobile computing device 104 can be a function of themechanical attachment data. Moreover, is it to be appreciated that themobile computing device 104 can additionally or alternatively detect themechanical attachment between the sleeve 208 and the auxiliary device102 and generate the corresponding attachment data.

With reference to FIG. 3, illustrated is the auxiliary device 102according to various examples. As shown in FIG. 3, the auxiliary device102 includes the processor 106, the memory 108, the microphone 202, thetouch sensor 204, and the connector 206. The memory 108 further includesthe interface component 116 and the transceiver component 118. Moreover,the memory 108 can include the context collection component 216.However, according to other examples, the memory 108 need not includethe context collection component 216.

In addition to the microphone 202 and the touch sensor 204, theauxiliary device 102 can optionally include one or more differingsensors. For instance, the interface component 116 can detect the userinput based on output(s) of one or more of the differing sensors.Additionally or alternatively, the context collection component 216 candetect contextual data indicative of the context of the auxiliary device102 based on output(s) of one or more of the differing sensors.

More particularly, the auxiliary device 102 can optionally include aninertial measurement unit 302. The inertial measurement unit 302 caninclude an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a combination thereof, and soforth. The inertial measurement unit 302 can output data indicative ofan orientation of the auxiliary device 102 (e.g., pitch, roll, and yawof the auxiliary device 102). Moreover, a change in the orientation ofthe auxiliary device 102 can be detected from the output of the inertialmeasurement unit 302; such change in the orientation can correspond to aphysical gesture, for instance. According to an illustration, theauxiliary device 102 can be pointed towards a landmark (e.g., by auser). The auxiliary device 102 can be pointed towards the landmark aspart of a search query (e.g., to obtain additional informationpertaining to the landmark, etc.). Following this illustration, theinterface component 116 can detect user input corresponding to theauxiliary device 102 being pointed towards the landmark based on outputof the inertial measurement unit 302. The user input can be a physicalgesture detected by the inertial measurement unit 302 of the auxiliarydevice 102.

Further, the auxiliary device 102 can optionally include a hover sensor304. The hover sensor 304 can provide an output to the interfacecomponent 116 that enables the interface component 116 to detect a hover(e.g., of a finger, stylus, etc.) above a display screen 306 (e.g., theauxiliary device 102 can optionally include the display screen 306).Thus, the user input detected by the interface component 116 can be thehover above the display screen 306.

Moreover, the auxiliary device 102 can optionally include a camera 308.For instance, the user input detected by the interface component 116 canbe based on output from the camera 308. Additionally or alternatively,the contextual data obtained by the context collection component 216 canbe based on the output from the camera 308.

The auxiliary device 102 can optionally include a position sensor 310.The position sensor 310 can determine a position of the auxiliary device102. The position sensor 310 can measure an absolute position of theauxiliary device 102 or a relative position of the auxiliary device 102(e.g., relative to a position of the mobile computing device 104). Forexample, the position sensor 310 can be or include a Global PositioningSystem (GPS) receiver. According to another example, the position sensor310 can detect the position of the auxiliary device 102 based upon adetected signal strength (e.g., of a signal transmitted by the mobilecomputing device 104, a node in a network, etc.). However, other typesof the position sensor 310 are intended to fall within the scope of thehereto appended claims.

According to an example, the context collection component 216 canfurther include a position detection component 312 that detects aposition of the auxiliary device 102. For instance, the positiondetection component 312 can identify the position of the auxiliarydevice 102 based on the output from the position sensor 310. Thetransceiver component 118 can transmit, from the auxiliary device 102 tothe mobile computing device 104, data indicative of the position of theauxiliary device 102. Accordingly, the identity of the operationperformed responsive to the user input executed by the mobile computingdevice 104 can further be a function of the position of the auxiliarydevice 102 (e.g., the absolute position, the position relative to aposition of the mobile computing device 104, etc.). Moreover, is it tobe appreciated that the mobile computing device 104 can additionally oralternatively detect the position of the auxiliary device 102.

As noted above, the auxiliary device 102 can optionally include thedisplay screen 306. Further, the auxiliary device 102 can optionallyinclude a speaker 314. The mobile computing device 104 can send outputdata to the auxiliary device 102, and the transceiver component 118 ofthe auxiliary device 102 can receive such output data from the mobilecomputing device 104. The output data, for instance, can include audiodata, image data, video data, a combination thereof, and so forth. Theinterface component 116 can output the audio data via the speaker 314.Further, the interface component 116 can output the image data or thevideo data via the display screen 314. It is also contemplated that theauxiliary device 102 can include a jack; hence, the interface component116 can output the audio data, the image data, the video data, acombination thereof, etc. via the jack.

Pursuant to an example, the display screen 306 can be a bi-stablescreen; however, the claimed subject matter is not so limited. Further,dynamically altered icons for virtual buttons can be displayed on thedisplay screen 306 (e.g., the display screen 306 can be a touchscreenthat includes the touch sensor 204). Moreover, the display screen 306can display confirmation of voice commands detected based upon speechinput received by the microphone 202 (e.g., responsive to receipt ofspeech input to play song XYZ the display screen 306 can display“Playing Song XYZ”, etc.).

With reference to FIG. 4, illustrated is a system 400 that includes theauxiliary device 102 and the mobile computing device 104, where themobile computing device 104 is removably attachable to a dock 402. Themobile computing device 104 can be removably attachable to various typesof docks. For instance, the dock 402 can be a stereo dock, a bedsidealarm clock dock, an automobile dock, a bicycle dock, or the like.

Again, as set forth above, the interface component 116 of the auxiliarydevice 102 can detect a user input at the auxiliary device 102, and anoperation executed by the mobile computing device 104 (e.g., anoperation executed by the personal assistant component 124, a disparateoperation executed by the mobile computing device 104) can be performedresponsive to the user input. An identity of the operation can be afunction of a context of the mobile computing device 104 and the userinput. According to an example, the context of the mobile computingdevice 104 can include whether the mobile computing device 104 ismechanically attached to any dock (e.g., the dock 402, other dock(s),etc.) and, if mechanically attached to a dock, a type of the dock.

Moreover, the context identification component 122 can detect thecontext of the mobile computing device 104. The context identificationcomponent 122 of the mobile computing device 104 can include aconnection detection component 404. The connection detection component404 can detect whether the mobile computing device 104 is mechanicallyattached to any dock (e.g., the dock 402, other dock(s), etc.).Moreover, if the mobile computing device 104 is detected to bemechanically attached to the dock 402, the connection detectioncomponent 404 can detect a type of the dock 402. The connectiondetection component 404 can further generate mechanical attachment datafor the mobile computing device 104 that specifies whether the mobilecomputing device 104 is mechanically attached to a dock and, ifmechanically attached to a dock (e.g., the dock 402), a type of thedock. Thus, the identity of the operation executed by the mobilecomputing device 104 can be a function of such mechanical attachmentdata for the mobile computing device 104.

According to various examples, it is contemplated that the connectiondetection component 404 can additionally or alternatively detectmechanical attachment of the auxiliary device 102 to the mobilecomputing device 104 (or mechanical attachment of the auxiliary device102 to a sleeve, where the sleeve is mechanically attached to the mobilecomputing device 104). Following such examples, the connection detectioncomponent 404 can detect whether the auxiliary device 102 is in a stowedconfiguration or an extended configuration. Similar to above, theidentity of the operation executed by the mobile computing device 104can be a function of the mechanical attachment of the auxiliary device102.

By way of illustration, the dock 402 can be an automobile dock. Themobile computing device 104 can be removably attachable to theautomobile dock. When the mobile computing device 104 is mechanicallyattached to the automobile dock, the contextual data obtained by theconnection detection component 404 can specify that the mobile computingdevice 104 is mechanically attached to the automobile dock. Mechanicalattachment to the automobile dock can be indicative of an in-automobilecontext for the mobile computing device 104. Thus, the identity of theoperation executed by the mobile computing device 104 responsive to theuser input detected at the auxiliary device 102 can be a function of thein-automobile context for the mobile computing device 104. When in thein-automobile context (e.g., when mechanically attached to theautomobile dock), the mobile computing device 104 can transmit data to adisparate device of the automobile (e.g., a car stereo, an in-carinfotainment unit, etc.). Thus, the auxiliary device 102 can be used toremotely control the mobile computing device 104 as the mobile computingdevice 104 provides data to the disparate device of the automobile (whenthe mobile computing device 104 is mechanically attached to theautomobile dock).

The context identification component 122 can further include a positiondetection component 406 that can detect a position of the mobilecomputing device 104. The identity of the operation performed responsiveto the user input executed by the mobile computing device 104 can be afunction of the position of the mobile computing device 104.Additionally or alternatively, the position detection component 406 candetect a position of the auxiliary device 102 (e.g., relative to theposition of the mobile computing device 104, an absolute position of theauxiliary device 102). Thus, the identity of the operation canadditionally or alternatively be a function of the position of theauxiliary device 102.

Turning to FIG. 5, illustrated is a system 500 that employs theauxiliary device 102 with a plurality of computing devices. The system500 includes a computing device 1 502, . . . , and a computing device X504, where X can be substantially any integer greater than or equal totwo (collectively referred to herein as computing devices 502-504). Forinstance, one of the computing devices 502-504 can be the mobilecomputing device 104.

The auxiliary device 102 can be wirelessly coupled with the computingdevices 502-504 (e.g., the auxiliary device 102 can be concurrentlycoupled with the computing devices 502-504). Accordingly, the auxiliarydevice 102 can be used to remotely control operations executed by thecomputing devices 502-504. By way of illustration, the auxiliary device102 can be pointed towards a particular one of the computing devices502-504 to control an operation executed by that particular computingdevice; yet, the claimed subject matter is not so limited.

Turning to FIG. 6, illustrated is an exemplary auxiliary device 600(e.g., the auxiliary device 102). The auxiliary device 600 depicted inFIG. 6 (as well as in FIGS. 7-10 and 13-16) shows an exemplaryimplementation of the auxiliary device 102 described herein. Further, itis to be appreciated that other implementations of the auxiliary device102 are intended to fall within the scope of the hereto appended claims.

FIG. 6 shows a front view, back view, side view, and top view of theauxiliary device 600. The auxiliary device 600 includes a housing. Thehousing, for example, can be made of a rubberized material; however, theclaimed subject matter is not so limited. As shown in the front view,the auxiliary device 600 includes three buttons on a front surface ofthe housing, namely, a button 602, a button 604, and a button 606(collectively referred to herein as buttons 602-606). Thus, touchsensors of the auxiliary device 600 can be or include the buttons602-606.

Further, as shown in the back view and the side view, the auxiliarydevice 600 includes a plurality of charging pads on a back surface ofthe housing. For instance, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the auxiliarydevice 600 includes a charging pad 608, a charging pad 610, and acharging pad 612 (collectively referred to herein as charging pads608-612). Moreover, as depicted in the top view, the auxiliary device600 also includes a microphone 614 and a jack 616 on a top surface ofthe housing.

As described herein, the auxiliary device 600 can include a connector.In the example set forth in FIG. 6, the auxiliary device 600 can includea slot 618 along a side surface of the housing. Moreover, a cavity 620can be formed in the side surface of the housing. The cavity 620 can beoffset. Moreover, the cavity 620 can enable the auxiliary device 600 tobe utilized as a kickstand. The other side surface of the housing of theauxiliary device 600 can similarly include a slot and a cavity. Variousjackets can be mounted on the auxiliary device 600 by slidingprotrusions of the jackets within the slots along the side surfaces ofthe housing. Moreover, the cavities can connect to the jackets, sleeves,or mobile computing devices.

Thus, the auxiliary device 600 includes the buttons 602-606 and themicrophone 614. The auxiliary device 600 can transmit speech input anddata indicative of touches of the buttons 602-606 to a mobile computingdevice wirelessly paired therewith (e.g., paired via a network protocolsuch as Bluetooth, etc.). Further, the auxiliary device 600 can transmitsensor data to enable a user to remotely control operations executed bythe mobile computing device.

According to an example, the button 604 can be touched by a user of theauxiliary device 600 to invoke a personal assistant component (e.g., thepersonal assistant component 124) executed by the mobile computingdevice. Following this example, the microphone 614 can further capturespeech input (e.g., asking for navigation directions, specifying acommand, etc.). The speech input can be transmitted to the mobilecomputing device, and the personal assistant component of the mobilecomputing device can perform an operation responsive to the speech input(e.g., generate the direction, execute the command, etc.).

With reference to FIGS. 7-10, illustrated are various views of theauxiliary device 600 and a sleeve 700 (e.g., the sleeve 208). Theauxiliary device 700 depicted in FIGS. 7-10 (as well as in FIG. 14)shows an exemplary implementation of the sleeve 208 described herein.Further, it is to be appreciated that other implementations of thesleeve 208 are intended to fall within the scope of the hereto appendedclaims.

The sleeve 700 is mechanically attached to a mobile computing device 702(e.g., the mobile computing device 104). The sleeve 700 can be a Qicharging sleeve. Accordingly, when mechanically attached in a stowedconfiguration (as shown in FIG. 10), the charging pads 608-612 of theauxiliary device 600 can respectively mate with charging locations 704,706, and 708 (collectively referred to as charging locations 704-708) onthe sleeve 700 or the mobile computing device 702. For example, thesleeve 700 can include the charging locations 704-708 that canrespectively mate with the charging pads 608-612 of the auxiliary device600. According to another example, the mobile computing device 702 caninclude the charging locations 704-708; following this example, cavitiesin the sleeve 700 corresponding to the charging locations 704-708 on themobile computing device 702 can allow the charging pads 608-612 of theauxiliary device 600 to respectively mate with the charging locations704-708 on the mobile computing device 702. Moreover, the sleeve 700includes a connector 710 and a connector 712 (collectively referred toherein as connectors 710-712), which respectively mate with the cavitieson the side surfaces of the housing of the auxiliary device 600.

FIG. 7 shows the auxiliary device 600 being detached from the sleeve700. As depicted in FIG. 8, the auxiliary device 600 can be oriented tomate the cavities of the auxiliary device 600 with the connectors710-712 of the sleeve 700. FIGS. 9 and 10 show the auxiliary device 600being mechanically attached to the sleeve 700.

As depicted in FIG. 9, the auxiliary device 600 is in an extendedconfiguration, where the auxiliary device 600 is a kickstand for thesleeve 700 and the mobile computing device 702. FIG. 10 illustrates theauxiliary device 600 in a stowed configuration. In the stowedconfiguration, for instance, the auxiliary device 600 can be charged bythe sleeve 700 via Qi charging. The auxiliary device 600 can be rotatedabout the cavities with respect to the sleeve 700 (and mobile computingdevice 702) to transition between the extended configuration and thestowed configuration.

Moreover, operations performed by the mobile computing device 702responsive to touches of the buttons 602-606 of the auxiliary device 600can be a function of whether the auxiliary device 600 is mechanicallyattached to the sleeve 700 or detached from the sleeve 700. Forinstance, the buttons 602-606 of the auxiliary device 600 can controlcamera related operations executed by the mobile computing device 702when the auxiliary device 600 is mechanically attached to the sleeve700, while disparate operations executed by the mobile computing device702 can be controlled by the buttons 602-606 when the auxiliary device600 is detached from the sleeve 700. According to an example, it is alsocontemplated that the operations can be a function of whether theauxiliary device 600 is in the stowed configuration (as shown in FIG.10) or the extended configuration (as shown in FIG. 9); yet, the claimedsubject matter is not so limited.

FIGS. 11-13 show exemplary implementations of the jacket 210 describedherein. It is contemplated that other implementations of the jacket 210are intended to fall within the scope of the hereto appended claims

FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary automobile jacket 1100. The automobilejacket 1100 includes a steering wheel connector 1102 that ismechanically attachable to a steering wheel of an automobile. Moreover,the automobile jacket 1100 includes a device connector 1104. Theauxiliary device 600 of FIG. 6 is removably attachable to the deviceconnector 1104 of the automobile jacket 1100. Moreover, the auxiliarydevice 600 can be attached to or detached from the device connector 1104while the steering wheel connector 1102 remains mechanically attached tothe steering wheel of the automobile.

The device connector 1104 includes an elongated protrusion 1106 and anelongated protrusion 1108 (collectively referred to as elongatedprotrusions 1106-1108). To attach or detach the auxiliary device 600 andthe device connector 1104, the elongated protrusion 1106-1108 of thedevice connector 1104 can be slid into or out of respective slots alongthe side surfaces of the housing of the auxiliary device 600.

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary clip jacket 1200. Similar to theautomobile jacket 1100 of FIG. 11, the clip jacket 1200 includes anelongated protrusion 1202 and an elongated protrusion 1204 (collectivelyreferred to as elongated protrusions 1202-1204). The elongatedprotrusions 1202-1204 can be slid into or out of respective slots alongthe side surfaces of the housing of the auxiliary device 600. Moreover,the clip jacket 1200 includes raised elements (e.g., a raised element1206, etc.) that mate with the cavities on the side surfaces of thehousing of the auxiliary device 600.

FIG. 13 shows the auxiliary device 600 mechanically attached to the clipjacket 1200. When attached to the clip jacket 1200, the auxiliary device600 can be worn on a lapel of a garment, a neckline of a garment, abelt, a waistband of a garment, and so forth.

According to an example, the auxiliary device 600 can be mechanicallyattachable to the automobile jacket 1100 when the auxiliary device 600is mechanically attached to the clip jacket 1200. Further following thisexample, the auxiliary device 600 can be mechanically attachable to theautomobile jacket 1100 when the auxiliary device 600 is detached fromthe clip jacket 1200.

FIGS. 14-16 depict exemplary implementations of the dock 402 describedherein. It is to be appreciated that other implementations of the dock402 are intended to fall within the scope of the hereto appended claims

Turning to FIG. 14, illustrated is an exemplary system 1400 where theauxiliary device 600 remotely controls the mobile computing device 702in an automobile. The system 1400 includes the automobile jacket 1100,which is mechanically attached to a steering wheel 1402. Moreover, thesystem 1400 includes an automobile dock 1404. The automobile dock 1404includes a suction cup 1406 that can attach to a dashboard or a windowof the automobile. Moreover, the system 1400 includes the sleeve 700.The sleeve 700 is mechanically attached to the mobile computing device702.

As depicted in FIG. 14, the sleeve 700 is mechanically attached to theautomobile dock 1404, and the auxiliary device 600 is mechanicallyattached to the automobile jacket 1100. For example, the automobile dock1404 can include a magnetic clasp (and the sleeve 700 can includecorresponding magnets). Thus, the mobile computing device 702 (e.g., thesleeve 700) can be removably attachable to the automobile dock 1404 viathe magnetic clasp. For instance, the sleeve 700 can magnetically snapto the magnetic clasp of the automobile dock 1404. However, it is to beappreciated that other support members of the automobile dock 1404 canadditionally or alternatively mechanically attach to the sleeve 700.

When mechanically attached to the automobile dock 1404, a camera of themobile computing device 702 can be available (e.g., for road signanalysis). Moreover, the automobile dock 1404 can include a power supplyline 1408 and an audio output jack 1410. The power supply line 1408 canconnect to a power jack of the automobile. The automobile dock 1404 canalso include a wireless charging source; the wireless charging sourcecan charge the mobile computing device 702 when mechanically attached.By way of example, the wireless charging source can support Qi chargingof the mobile computing device 702 when mechanically attached. Moreover,the audio output jack 1410 can enable the audio output from the mobilecomputing device 702 to be provided to an in-car infotainment unit ofthe automobile, a car stereo, or the like (e.g., via an auxiliary wireto an auxiliary input, a tape deck, etc.).

Pursuant to an illustration, upon entering an automobile (in which theautomobile dock 1404 was previously installed), the mobile computingdevice 702 can be mechanically attached to the automobile dock 1404(e.g., via the magnetic clasp and/or other support members of theautomobile dock 1404). Following this illustration, without connectingadditional wires, etc., the mobile computing device 702 can send audiooutput to the in-car infotainment unit, car stereo, etc., while alsobeing charged by the automobile dock 1404.

While driving, the buttons of the auxiliary device 600 can be used toperform various operations on the mobile computing device 702. Forinstance, a button (e.g., the button 604) of the auxiliary device 600can be used to invoke a personal assistant component (e.g., the personalassistant component 124) executed by the mobile computing device 702.Moreover, the local microphone of the auxiliary device 600 (e.g., themicrophone 614) can receive speech input, which can be provided to themobile computing device 702 to perform various operations as describedherein.

With reference to FIG. 15, illustrated is an exemplary system 1500 thatincludes the mobile computing device 702, the auxiliary device 600, anda bedside alarm clock dock 1502. The bedside alarm clock dock 1502 caninclude a speaker 1504. Moreover, the mobile computing device 702 canmechanically attach to the bedside alarm clock dock 1502 (e.g., themobile computing device 702 can be received in a cradle of the bedsidealarm clock dock 1502). The auxiliary device 600 can be utilized tocontrol the mobile computing device 702 when the mobile computing device702 is mechanically attached to the bedside alarm clock dock 1502.Moreover, the auxiliary device 600 can mechanically attach to thebedside alarm clock dock 1502 to charge a power supply of the auxiliarydevice 600.

Moreover, the bedside alarm clock dock 1502 can include a pico projector1506. The pico projector 1506 can project messages, social mediastreams, and the like fed from the mobile computing device 702. The picoprojector 1506 can project images on a wall, a ceiling, or the like. Theauxiliary device 600 can control the pico projector 1506. According toan example, based upon being mechanically attached to the bedside alarmclock dock 1502, the mobile computing device 702 can display an alarmclock 1508, news 1510, and the like on a display screen of the mobilecomputing device 702.

The following provides an exemplary interaction using the auxiliarydevice 600 with the mobile computing device 702 docked in the bedsidealarm clock dock 1502; it is to be appreciated, however, that theclaimed subject matter is not so limited. The auxiliary device 600 canreceive speech input while the auxiliary device 600 is located near themobile computing device 702 (and the bedside alarm clock dock 1502); thespeech input can include “What are my appointments today?” The speechinput can be transmitted to the mobile computing device 702. Moreover,the relative position of the auxiliary device 600 can be identified(e.g., based upon contextual data received from the auxiliary device600, the mobile computing device 702 can detect the relative position ofthe auxiliary device 600, etc.). Responsive to the speech input and therelative position of the auxiliary device 600, the mobile computingdevice 702 (e.g., a personal assistant component executed by the mobilecomputing device 702) can cause the pico projector 1506 to projecttoday's appointments. Thereafter, the auxiliary device 600 can be movedaway from the mobile computing device 702 (e.g., into a different room).Moreover, the auxiliary device 600 can receive speech input thatincludes “What are my emails?” Again, the relative position of theauxiliary device 600 can be identified. Responsive to this speech inputand the relative position of the auxiliary device 600 that is fartherfrom the mobile computing device 702, the mobile computing device 702(e.g., the personal assistant component) can cause audio output thatreads text of received emails to be provided via the speaker 1504.Further, the volume of the audio output can vary as a function of therelative position of the auxiliary device 600 as the auxiliary device600 is repositioned relative to the position of the mobile computingdevice 702.

Turning to FIG. 16, illustrated is an exemplary system 1600 thatincludes the auxiliary device 600, the mobile computing device 702, anda speaker 1602. The auxiliary device 600 can be utilized to controloperations executed by the mobile computing device 702. Moreover, themobile computing device 702 can provide audio output to the speaker1602. Thus, the auxiliary device 600 can remotely control audio beingoutput via the speaker 1602.

Pursuant to an illustration, the mobile computing device 702 can bedocked with the speaker 1602. The auxiliary device 600 can be carried bya user, and can be employed to remotely control the mobile computingdevice 702. For instance, when it is desired to change a song beingplayed by the mobile computing device 702, a button (e.g., the button604) of the auxiliary device 600 can be touched to invoke a personalassistant component (e.g., the personal assistant component 124)executed by the mobile computing device 702. Moreover, speech input thatspecifies a next song to play can be received via a microphone (e.g.,the microphone 614) of the auxiliary device 600. Responsive to thespeech input, the personal assistant component can initiate playing thenext song specified by the speech input.

FIGS. 17-18 illustrate exemplary methodologies relating to remotelycontrolling a mobile computing device using an auxiliary device. Whilethe methodologies are shown and described as being a series of acts thatare performed in a sequence, it is to be understood and appreciated thatthe methodologies are not limited by the order of the sequence. Forexample, some acts can occur in a different order than what is describedherein. In addition, an act can occur concurrently with another act.Further, in some instances, not all acts may be required to implement amethodology described herein.

Moreover, the acts described herein may be computer-executableinstructions that can be implemented by one or more processors and/orstored on a computer-readable medium or media. The computer-executableinstructions can include a routine, a sub-routine, programs, a thread ofexecution, and/or the like. Still further, results of acts of themethodologies can be stored in a computer-readable medium, displayed ona display device, and/or the like.

FIG. 17 illustrates a methodology 1700 of operating an auxiliary device.The auxiliary device can be wirelessly coupled with a mobile computingdevice. At 1702, a user input can be detected at the auxiliary device.An operation of a personal assistant component executed by the mobilecomputing device can be performed responsive to the user input.Moreover, an identity of the operation can be a function of a context ofthe mobile computing device and the user input. At 1704, responsive todetection of the user input, data indicative of the user input can betransmitted from the auxiliary device to the mobile computing device.

Turning to FIG. 18, illustrated is a methodology 1800 of operating amobile computing device. The mobile computing device can be wirelesslycoupled with an auxiliary device. At 1802, a context of the mobilecomputing device can be detected. At 1804, data indicative of a detecteduser input at the auxiliary device can be received. The data, forinstance, can be received from the auxiliary device. At 1806, anoperation can be performed by the mobile computing device responsive toreceipt of the data indicative of the detected user input at theauxiliary device. An identity of the operation can be a function of thecontext of the mobile computing device and the user input.

Referring now to FIG. 19, a high-level illustration of an exemplarycomputing device 1900 that can be used in accordance with the systemsand methodologies disclosed herein is illustrated. For instance, thecomputing device 1900 may be the auxiliary device 102. According toanother example, the computing device 1900 can be the mobile computingdevice 104. Pursuant to another example, the computing device 1900 canbe one of the computing devices 502-504, a dock, or the like. Thecomputing device 1900 includes at least one processor 1902 that executesinstructions that are stored in a memory 1904. The instructions may be,for instance, instructions for implementing functionality described asbeing carried out by one or more components discussed above orinstructions for implementing one or more of the methods describedabove. The processor 1902 may access the memory 1904 by way of a systembus 1906. In addition to storing executable instructions, the memory1904 may also store user inputs, contextual data, and so forth.

The computing device 1900 additionally includes a data store 1908 thatis accessible by the processor 1902 by way of the system bus 1906. Thedata store 1908 may include executable instructions, user inputs,contextual data, etc. The computing device 1900 also includes an inputinterface 1910 that allows external devices to communicate with thecomputing device 1900. For instance, the input interface 1910 may beused to receive instructions from an external computer device, from auser, etc. The computing device 1900 also includes an output interface1912 that interfaces the computing device 1900 with one or more externaldevices. For example, the computing device 1900 may display text,images, etc. by way of the output interface 1912.

It is contemplated that the external devices that communicate with thecomputing device 1900 via the input interface 1910 and the outputinterface 1912 can be included in an environment that providessubstantially any type of user interface with which a user can interact.Examples of user interface types include graphical user interfaces,natural user interfaces, and so forth. For instance, a graphical userinterface may accept input from a user employing input device(s) such asa keyboard, mouse, remote control, or the like and provide output on anoutput device such as a display. Further, a natural user interface mayenable a user to interact with the computing device 1900 in a mannerfree from constraints imposed by input device such as keyboards, mice,remote controls, and the like. Rather, a natural user interface can relyon speech recognition, touch and stylus recognition, gesture recognitionboth on screen and adjacent to the screen, air gestures, head and eyetracking, voice and speech, vision, touch, gestures, machineintelligence, and so forth.

Additionally, while illustrated as a single system, it is to beunderstood that the computing device 1900 may be a distributed system.Thus, for instance, several devices may be in communication by way of anetwork connection and may collectively perform tasks described as beingperformed by the computing device 1900.

Various examples are now set forth.

Example 1

A method of operating an auxiliary device, the auxiliary device beingwirelessly coupled with a mobile computing device, the methodcomprising: detecting a user input at the auxiliary device, an operationof a personal assistant component executed by the mobile computingdevice being performed responsive to the user input, an identity of theoperation being a function of a context of the mobile computing deviceand the user input; and responsive to detection of the user input,transmitting data indicative of the user input from the auxiliary deviceto the mobile computing device.

Example 2

The method according to Example 1, further comprising: obtainingcontextual data indicative of a context of the auxiliary device, theidentity of the operation further being a function of the context of theauxiliary device; and transmitting the contextual data from theauxiliary device to the mobile computing device.

Example 3

The method according to Example 2, the contextual data specifies thatthe auxiliary device is mechanically attached to a disparate device anda type of the disparate device.

Example 4

The method according to any of Examples 2-3, the contextual dataspecifies at least one of a position of the auxiliary device or anorientation of the auxiliary device, the identity of the operationfurther being a function of at least one of the position of theauxiliary device relative to a position of the mobile computing deviceor a change in the orientation of the auxiliary device.

Example 5

The method according to any of Examples 1-4, potential operationsperformable by the personal assistant component during a period of timecomprise the operation, identities of the potential operations beingtailored as a function of the context of the mobile computing device anda context of the auxiliary device during the period of time.

Example 6

The method according to any of Examples 1-5, the user input being atouch of a touch sensor of the auxiliary device.

Example 7

The method according to any of Examples 1-6, further comprising:receiving speech input at the auxiliary device, the speech inputreceived by a microphone of the auxiliary device; and responsive toreceipt of the speech input, transmitting the speech input from theauxiliary device to the mobile computing device, the identity of theoperation further being a function of the speech input.

Example 8

An auxiliary device, the auxiliary device being wirelessly coupled witha mobile computing device, the auxiliary device comprising: a processor;and a memory that comprises components that are executable by theprocessor, the components comprising: an interface component thatdetects a user input at the auxiliary device, an operation executed bythe mobile computing device being performed responsive to the userinput, an identity of the operation being a function of: a context ofthe mobile computing device; the user input; whether the auxiliarydevice is mechanically attached to a disparate device, wherein theauxiliary device is removably attachable to the disparate device; and atype of the disparate device, if the auxiliary device is mechanicallyattached to the disparate device; and an transceiver component thattransmits data indicative of the user input from the auxiliary device tothe mobile computing device.

Example 9

The auxiliary device according to Example 8, wherein: the memory furthercomprises a connection detection component, the connection detectioncomponent: detects whether the auxiliary device is mechanically attachedto the disparate device and, if mechanically attached, the type of thedisparate device; and generates mechanical attachment data indicativeof: whether the auxiliary device is mechanically attached to thedisparate device; and the type of the disparate device, if the auxiliarydevice is mechanically attached to the disparate device; the transceivercomponent further transmits the mechanical attachment data from theauxiliary device to the mobile computing device.

Example 10

The auxiliary device according to any of Examples 8-9, the auxiliarydevice being interchangeably attachable to a plurality of types ofdisparate devices.

Example 11

The auxiliary device according to any of Examples 8-10, the disparatedevice being an automobile jacket, the automobile jacket beingmechanically attachable to an automobile steering wheel.

Example 12

The auxiliary device according to any of Examples 8-10, the disparatedevice being the mobile computing device, the auxiliary device beingmechanically attachable to the mobile computing device in a stowedconfiguration and an extended configuration, the auxiliary device beinga kickstand in the extended configuration.

Example 13

The auxiliary device according to any of Examples 8-10, the disparatedevice being a sleeve, the sleeve being mechanically attachable to themobile computing device, the auxiliary device being mechanicallyattachable to the sleeve in a stowed configuration and an extendedconfiguration, the auxiliary device being a kickstand in the extendedconfiguration.

Example 14

The auxiliary device according to any of Examples 8-13, the operationbeing performed by a personal assistant component executed by the mobilecomputing device.

Example 15

The auxiliary device according to any of Examples 8-14, wherein: thememory further comprises a position detection component that detects aposition of the auxiliary device; the transceiver component transmits,from the auxiliary device to the mobile computing device, dataindicative of the position of the auxiliary device; and the identity ofthe operation executed by the mobile computing device further being afunction of the position of the auxiliary device.

Example 16

A system, comprising: a mobile computing device, comprising: a firstprocessor; and a first memory that comprises components that areexecutable by the first processor, the components executable by thefirst processor comprising: a personal assistant component; a contextidentification component that detects contextual data indicative of acontext of the mobile computing device; and a first transceivercomponent; and an auxiliary device that is wirelessly coupled with themobile computing device, the auxiliary device comprising: a touchsensor; a second processor; and a second memory that comprisescomponents that are executable by the second processor, the componentsexecutable by the second processor comprising: an interface componentthat detects a touch of the touch sensor, an identity of an operationcontrolled responsive to detection of the touch of the touch sensorbeing a function of the context of the mobile computing device; and asecond transceiver component that transmits data indicative of thedetection of the touch of the touch sensor from the auxiliary device tothe mobile computing device; wherein the first transceiver component ofthe mobile computing device receives the data indicative of thedetection of the touch of the touch sensor from the auxiliary device;and wherein the personal assistant component performs the operationresponsive to receipt of the data indicative of the detection of thetouch of the touch sensor.

Example 17

The system according to Example 16, the auxiliary device being removablyattachable to the mobile computing device, the auxiliary device beingmechanically attachable to the mobile computing device in a stowedconfiguration and an extended configuration, the auxiliary device beinga kickstand in the extended configuration.

Example 18

The system according to Example 17, the identity of the operationcontrolled responsive to the detection of the touch of the touch sensorfurther being a function of whether the auxiliary device is mechanicallyattached to the mobile computing device.

Example 19

The system according to any of Examples 16-18, wherein: the mobilecomputing device is removably attachable to a dock; and when the mobilecomputing device is mechanically attached to the dock: the contextualdata detected by the context identification component specifies that themobile computing device is mechanically attached to the dock and a typeof the dock; and the identity of the operation controlled responsive tothe detection of the touch of the touch sensor further being a functionof mechanical attachment of the mobile computing device to the dock andthe type of the dock.

Example 20

The system according to any of Examples 16-19, further comprising: anautomobile dock, the automobile dock comprising: an audio output jack; amagnetic clasp, the mobile computing device being removably attachableto the automobile dock via the magnetic clasp; and a wireless chargingsource, the wireless charging source charges the mobile computing devicewhen mechanically attached.

Example 21

A system that operates an auxiliary device, the auxiliary device beingwirelessly coupled with a mobile computing device, the systemcomprising: means for detecting a user input at the auxiliary device, anoperation of a personal assistant component executed by the mobilecomputing device being performed responsive to the user input, anidentity of the operation being a function of a context of the mobilecomputing device and the user input; and means for transmitting dataindicative of the user input from the auxiliary device to the mobilecomputing device responsive to detection of the user input.

As used herein, the terms “component” and “system” are intended toencompass computer-readable data storage that is configured withcomputer-executable instructions that cause certain functionality to beperformed when executed by a processor. The computer-executableinstructions may include a routine, a function, or the like. It is alsoto be understood that a component or system may be localized on a singledevice or distributed across several devices.

Further, as used herein, the term “exemplary” is intended to mean“serving as an illustration or example of something.”

Various functions described herein can be implemented in hardware,software, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, thefunctions can be stored on or transmitted over as one or moreinstructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readablemedia includes computer-readable storage media. A computer-readablestorage media can be any available storage media that can be accessed bya computer. By way of example, and not limitation, suchcomputer-readable storage media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM orother optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desiredprogram code in the form of instructions or data structures and that canbe accessed by a computer. Disk and disc, as used herein, includecompact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc(DVD), floppy disk, and blu-ray disc (BD), where disks usually reproducedata magnetically and discs usually reproduce data optically withlasers. Further, a propagated signal is not included within the scope ofcomputer-readable storage media. Computer-readable media also includescommunication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of acomputer program from one place to another. A connection, for instance,can be a communication medium. For example, if the software istransmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using acoaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line(DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave,then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, orwireless technologies such as infrared, radio and microwave are includedin the definition of communication medium. Combinations of the aboveshould also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

Alternatively, or in addition, the functionality described herein can beperformed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components.For example, and without limitation, illustrative types of hardwarelogic components that can be used include Field-programmable Gate Arrays(FPGAs), Program-specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Program-specificStandard Products (ASSPs), System-on-a-chip systems (SOCs), ComplexProgrammable Logic Devices (CPLDs), etc.

What has been described above includes examples of one or moreembodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable modification and alteration of the above devices ormethodologies for purposes of describing the aforementioned aspects, butone of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that many furthermodifications and permutations of various aspects are possible.Accordingly, the described aspects are intended to embrace all suchalterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spiritand scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that theterm “includes” is used in either the details description or the claims,such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term“comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as atransitional word in a claim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of operating an auxiliary device, theauxiliary device being wirelessly coupled with a mobile computingdevice, the method comprising: detecting a user input at the auxiliarydevice, an operation of a personal assistant component executed by themobile computing device being performed responsive to the user input, anidentity of the operation being a function of a context of the mobilecomputing device and the user input; and responsive to detection of theuser input, transmitting data indicative of the user input from theauxiliary device to the mobile computing device.
 2. The method of claim1, further comprising: obtaining contextual data indicative of a contextof the auxiliary device, the identity of the operation further being afunction of the context of the auxiliary device; and transmitting thecontextual data from the auxiliary device to the mobile computingdevice.
 3. The method of claim 2, the contextual data specifies that theauxiliary device is mechanically attached to a disparate device and atype of the disparate device.
 4. The method of claim 2, the contextualdata specifies at least one of a position of the auxiliary device or anorientation of the auxiliary device, the identity of the operationfurther being a function of at least one of the position of theauxiliary device relative to a position of the mobile computing deviceor a change in the orientation of the auxiliary device.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, potential operations performable by the personal assistantcomponent during a period of time comprise the operation, identities ofthe potential operations being tailored as a function of the context ofthe mobile computing device and a context of the auxiliary device duringthe period of time.
 6. The method of claim 1, the user input being atouch of a touch sensor of the auxiliary device.
 7. The method of claim1, further comprising: receiving speech input at the auxiliary device,the speech input received by a microphone of the auxiliary device; andresponsive to receipt of the speech input, transmitting the speech inputfrom the auxiliary device to the mobile computing device, the identityof the operation further being a function of the speech input.
 8. Anauxiliary device, the auxiliary device being wirelessly coupled with amobile computing device, the auxiliary device comprising: a processor;and a memory that comprises components that are executable by theprocessor, the components comprising: an interface component thatdetects a user input at the auxiliary device, an operation executed bythe mobile computing device being performed responsive to the userinput, an identity of the operation being a function of: a context ofthe mobile computing device; the user input; whether the auxiliarydevice is mechanically attached to a disparate device, wherein theauxiliary device is removably attachable to the disparate device; and atype of the disparate device, if the auxiliary device is mechanicallyattached to the disparate device; and an transceiver component thattransmits data indicative of the user input from the auxiliary device tothe mobile computing device.
 9. The auxiliary device of claim 8,wherein: the memory further comprises a connection detection component,the connection detection component: detects whether the auxiliary deviceis mechanically attached to the disparate device and, if mechanicallyattached, the type of the disparate device; and generates mechanicalattachment data indicative of: whether the auxiliary device ismechanically attached to the disparate device; and the type of thedisparate device, if the auxiliary device is mechanically attached tothe disparate device; the transceiver component further transmits themechanical attachment data from the auxiliary device to the mobilecomputing device.
 10. The auxiliary device of claim 8, the auxiliarydevice being interchangeably attachable to a plurality of types ofdisparate devices.
 11. The auxiliary device of claim 8, the disparatedevice being an automobile jacket, the automobile jacket beingmechanically attachable to an automobile steering wheel.
 12. Theauxiliary device of claim 8, the disparate device being the mobilecomputing device, the auxiliary device being mechanically attachable tothe mobile computing device in a stowed configuration and an extendedconfiguration, the auxiliary device being a kickstand in the extendedconfiguration.
 13. The auxiliary device of claim 8, the disparate devicebeing a sleeve, the sleeve being mechanically attachable to the mobilecomputing device, the auxiliary device being mechanically attachable tothe sleeve in a stowed configuration and an extended configuration, theauxiliary device being a kickstand in the extended configuration. 14.The auxiliary device of claim 8, the operation being performed by apersonal assistant component executed by the mobile computing device.15. The auxiliary device of claim 8, wherein: the memory furthercomprises a position detection component that detects a position of theauxiliary device; the transceiver component transmits, from theauxiliary device to the mobile computing device, data indicative of theposition of the auxiliary device; and the identity of the operationexecuted by the mobile computing device further being a function of theposition of the auxiliary device.
 16. A system, comprising: a mobilecomputing device, comprising: a first processor; and a first memory thatcomprises components that are executable by the first processor, thecomponents executable by the first processor comprising: a personalassistant component; a context identification component that detectscontextual data indicative of a context of the mobile computing device;and a first transceiver component; and an auxiliary device that iswirelessly coupled with the mobile computing device, the auxiliarydevice comprising: a touch sensor; a second processor; and a secondmemory that comprises components that are executable by the secondprocessor, the components executable by the second processor comprising:an interface component that detects a touch of the touch sensor, anidentity of an operation controlled responsive to detection of the touchof the touch sensor being a function of the context of the mobilecomputing device; and a second transceiver component that transmits dataindicative of the detection of the touch of the touch sensor from theauxiliary device to the mobile computing device; wherein the firsttransceiver component of the mobile computing device receives the dataindicative of the detection of the touch of the touch sensor from theauxiliary device; and wherein the personal assistant component performsthe operation responsive to receipt of the data indicative of thedetection of the touch of the touch sensor.
 17. The system of claim 16,the auxiliary device being removably attachable to the mobile computingdevice, the auxiliary device being mechanically attachable to the mobilecomputing device in a stowed configuration and an extendedconfiguration, the auxiliary device being a kickstand in the extendedconfiguration.
 18. The system of claim 17, the identity of the operationcontrolled responsive to the detection of the touch of the touch sensorfurther being a function of whether the auxiliary device is mechanicallyattached to the mobile computing device.
 19. The system of claim 16,wherein: the mobile computing device is removably attachable to a dock;and when the mobile computing device is mechanically attached to thedock: the contextual data detected by the context identificationcomponent specifies that the mobile computing device is mechanicallyattached to the dock and a type of the dock; and the identity of theoperation controlled responsive to the detection of the touch of thetouch sensor further being a function of mechanical attachment of themobile computing device to the dock and the type of the dock.
 20. Thesystem of claim 16, further comprising: an automobile dock, theautomobile dock comprising: an audio output jack; a magnetic clasp, themobile computing device being removably attachable to the automobiledock via the magnetic clasp; and a wireless charging source, thewireless charging source charges the mobile computing device whenmechanically attached.